Serology for tularemia

Serology for tularemia is a blood test that checks for infection due to a bacterium called Francisella tularensis, which causes the disease tularemia.

Alternative Names:

Tularemia test; Serology for Francisella tularensis

How the Test is Performed:

A blood sample is drawn from a vein.

The sample is sent to a laboratory where it is examined for Francisella antibodies using a method called serology. This method checks if your body has produced substances called antibodies to a specific foreign substance (antigen), in this case Francisella tularensis. Antibodies defend your body against bacteria, viruses, and fungi. If antibodies are present, they are in the serum of your blood. Serum is the liquid portion of blood.

How to Prepare for the Test:

There is no special preparation.

How the Test will Feel:

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, you may feel moderate pain, or only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

Why the Test is Performed:

This blood test is done when tularemia is suspected.

Normal Results:

Abscence of antibodies to F. tularensis is normal.

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results

What Abnormal Results Mean:

If antibodies are detected, there has been exposure to F. tularensis.

The presence of these antibodies means you have a current or past infection with F. tularensis. In some cases, a single high level of antibodies that are specific to F. tularensis means you have an infection.

Risks:

Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.

Other risks associated with having blood drawn are slight but may include:

Excessive bleeding

Fainting or feeling light-headed

Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)

Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)

Considerations:

During the early stage of an illness, few antibodies may be detected. Antibody production increases during the course of an infection. For this reason, this test may be repeated several weeks after the first test.

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